The Pikes Peak race is famous not only in the U.S. but also to diehard motorsport fans who appreciate the unique machines and challenges that this race brings. Nobuhiro Tajima is a diehard entrant who has been going to the mountain for several years now, bringing home with him numerous overall victories in the Pikes Peak race. The latest Pikes Peak victory for this 61-year old racer was in 2010, when he battled with Rhys Millen for the overall win. This is all the more impressive when you consider that this is Monster's 5th consecutive victory at Pikes Peak. For 2011, Tajima is readying his Suzuki SX4 for another crack at the overall victory.
Like most unlimited-class racing vehicles, Tajima's Suzuki SX4 shares only the basic body shape and engine configuration, which is a V-6. The rest of this hillclimb racer features a steel space frame, along with carbon and Kevlar composite bodywork and custom race suspension. The 4-wheel drive configuration uses hydraulically controlled front and rear differentials with a mechanical multi-plate center diff. A sequential six-speed handles the shifting duties. The V-6 displaces 2.7 liters and has had twin turbos added to provide an output of 925 horsepower.
18-inch wheels on 285/60R18 tires provide the needed traction for the low-grip racing surface. With a vehicle weight of only 1120 kilos, power-to-weight ratio comes out to nearly 840 hp/ton. Performance calculations predict a 0-60 mph time of 2.5 seconds and a quarter-mile time of around 9.6 seconds. With numbers like this and an experienced driver behind the wheel, it looks like this Monster Suzuki will be dominant for a few more years. Source article is here.
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